There are 3 things that I believe. First, that truth can be found in many places. Second, that it's perfectly OK and even good to remove that truth from its original context and find how it applies to my life right now. Third, we find truth and its application to our lives when we are ready for it.
So, yesterday I flipped open my scripture a day calendar and found truth that has been staring me in the face my whole life, but I just wasn't ready for it.

Alma 29:1 (That's in the Book of Mormon for you non-Mormons.)
Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people.

Let me give you a little background as to why I never found truth here before. First of all, this is a often quoted scripture in Mormondom. As I'm sure you know, missionary work is big in this church. In fact, I've often complained that we talk more about missionary work than the gospel itself, but that's a post for another day. When my bishop asked me if I was interested in going on a mission, my reply was that I just didn't feel it was the right thing at that point in my life. And that was the truth. My personal feelings about missionary work are that if I am living in a way that people see something that they want, then they will ask me about it. I've never been a go out and tell the world person. I'm a little that way in advertising for voice lessons as well. Yes, I am the one that goes to Orientation and Open House to talk to parents and kids about lessons, but generally I believe that the work I do speaks for itself. If students like what happens in my studio, they will tell friends and family.

So, I've never been one to go out and tell the world to change their lives. I also really had an issue with "crying repentance". The images that came to mind with that phrase are of people on street corners yelling that we are all doomed to Hell unless we change our evil ways.

But yesterday when I read this verse, "crying repentance" meant sharing the joy that we don't have to be stuck in awful situations. Repentance is about life changes. It's about moving forward in positive ways. That is something that I want to share with every people.

So instead of just being done with scriptures for the day, I opened my Book of Mormon to the full chapter to see what else was there. I'll be honest, some of it still doesn't sit very well with me, but I also saw that Alma's feelings about "crying repentance" are very similar to my feelings about teaching people to sing. My comments are in bold.

6 Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called? Sometimes I feel like I should be doing more or doing something that carries more prestige (performing professionally or teaching at a university instead of high school). I know, however, that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. This is where I'm supposed to be and where I can make a difference.

8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true. I don't have to save the art of singing all by myself. Wonderful teachers and performers are in place to help make sure that happens. I just need to take care of my kids.

9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy. Singing and teaching are not about me and my ego. It's about the music and when I can help someone find joy in their lives through music, then I find joy as well. I love being the person that brings light and truth. And I'm glad that God, the universe, and my co-workers have trusted me with this task.

10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me. I have been given the amazing gift of music and I am so thankful for it in my life.


14 But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi.

15 Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward!

16 Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren my soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great is my joy.
It's not just my singing that brings joy into my life. When my students make beautiful sound or discover something new in themselves, or when my colleagues have success in their teaching and performing, it gives me joy. There is not a limit on the amount of joy that can exist. Others succeeding does not take anything away from me.

So there you have it--The Gospel According to Jeannine